Sefton residents are set to take centre stage on the national map, as Southport has been officially announced as host of the 2027 UK Armed Forces Day.

Southport and Sefton’s longstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community

Armed Forces Day, an annual opportunity for communities to show their support for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families. The announcement on Southport was made as tens of thousands of people gathered at more than 230 events across the country to mark this year’s event. The decision recognises Southport and Sefton’s longstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, It represents a major moment of civic pride and a chance to showcase Southport and the wider borough to a national audience.

Spectacular programme of activity

Southport will host the flagship Armed Forces Day celebrations on Saturday 26 June 2027. It will bring a spectacular programme of activity to the town, including a parade, flypast and military displays. The event is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors from across the UK, providing a significant boost for local businesses, tourism and the wider Sefton economy.

 Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Jennifer Corcoran, said:

“Sefton has a proud and longstanding connection with our Armed Forces, and it is a tremendous honour for Southport to host the national Armed Forces Day next year.

"This announcement recognises the dedication and sacrifice of our service personnel, veterans and their families and also the strong sense of community we have here in Southport.

“It also acknowledges our proven track record in delivering large-scale events such as the Southport Airshow and British Musical Fireworks Championship.

"We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to celebrate, reflect and show our collective support for those who serve.”

Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Marion Atkinson, added:

“We are incredibly proud that Sefton has been chosen to host Armed Forces Day 2027. This is a fantastic opportunity to shine a national spotlight on our borough, while paying tribute to the bravery and commitment of our Armed Forces community.

“Across Sefton, we recognise the invaluable contribution made by serving personnel, veterans and their families, and we are committed to ensuring they feel supported and valued. We look forward to working with partners to deliver a memorable and fitting event that brings residents and visitors together in celebration and gratitude.”

The successful bid was led by a partnership between Sefton Council and the Southport Armed Forces Community Hub, reflecting the strength of local collaboration and community support.

Major Nick McEntee, Director of the Southport Armed Forces Community Hub, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that Southport has been selected to host the National Armed Forces Day 2027 celebrations.

“This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the strength of the partnership between Southport’s Armed Forces Community Hub, the wider Armed Forces community in our town and Sefton Council. Together, we have a shared ambition to deliver an event that recognises and celebrates those who serve, those who have served, and the families and loved ones who support them.

“Southport already hosts one of the most respected Armed Forces Day events in the UK, and National Armed Forces Day 2027 gives us an even greater opportunity to showcase our incredible seaside town to a national audience while saying a huge thank you to our Armed Forces community.

“The hard work starts now, but our volunteers are ready to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. We can't wait to work together to bring this unforgettable event to Southport alongside Sefton Council.”

Wide range of benefits for Sefton

Hosting the national event will bring a wide range of benefits for Sefton, including increased visitor numbers and economic boost for local businesses, opportunities for residents, schools and community groups to get involved and national media coverage highlighting Southport and Sefton.

Planning for the event will begin over the coming months, with opportunities for local people to take part through volunteering, community activities and events leading up to Armed Forces Day 2027.

Get involved

Residents across Sefton are encouraged to get involved and help make Armed Forces Day 2027 a truly special event for the borough and the nation.